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Upper Level Math, Sciences, and ACT
Melissa M.

5.0 (228 ratings)

898 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $85
Contact Melissa
Response time: 7 minutes

About Melissa

Bio

There’s nothing more energizing than watching students push through their doubts, break through barriers, and finally master concepts that once felt completely out of reach. I love mentoring and guiding them as they grow into successful, confident learners in the fields they’re passionate about — and being a meaningful part of their journey.

My approach is patient, encouraging, and highly personalized. I focus on building strong conceptual understanding rather than just memorization,...

There’s nothing more energizing than watching students push through their doubts, break through barriers, and finally master concepts that once felt completely out of reach. I love mentoring and guiding them as they grow into successful, confident learners in the fields they’re passionate about — and being a meaningful part of their journey.

My approach is patient, encouraging, and highly personalized. I focus on building strong conceptual understanding rather than just memorization, helping students develop problem-solving skills and the confidence they need to excel. Whether a student is struggling to keep up, preparing for a big exam, or aiming for top grades, I tailor every session to their unique learning style and goals.
I’m deeply invested in each student’s success and proud to celebrate their “aha!” moments and long-term achievements. If you’re looking for a dedicated tutor who is genuinely excited to support your academic growth, I’d love to work with you.
Let’s schedule a session and start making progress together!

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Education

University of California, Irvine
Biology
University of Southern California
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $85
  • Rate details: Group rates may be offered upon request
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/15/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

When I took this test back in high school I scored in the 87th percentile and since then I have become even more comfortable editing passages and papers. The ACT English test is much different from the SAT. The ACT focuses more on Usage/Mechanics and writing strategies. I help students to see cues in the passages that will increase their success on questions. In addition, I spend time practicing test taking strategies that will also improve their scores.
ACT Math

ACT Math

When I completed the ACT Test my score composite score was a 30, which was in the 97th percentile for that year. In the math section, I scored a perfect 36 out of 36. The math portion of the ACT covers the subject matter of pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. For this portion of the test, I review with students all important equations that they may have forgotten from previous courses as well as step by step solutions for all problems. In addition to this, I will teach students how to approach problems that seem daunting to them allowing them to narrow the responses and improving their overall scores.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

The Reading portion of the ACT contains four passages. The four topics include fiction, humanities, social studies, and natural sciences. I help my students to prepare by giving them clues as to what types of questions to expect with each type of passage. I help them to develop their skills in interpreting the passages. In addition, I work with my students to improve their overall test taking strategies which leads to higher scores in this portion of the exam.
ACT Science

ACT Science

In the science portion I scored at 30 which put me in the 97th percentile for test takers that year. Since then, I have completed a Master's Degree in Science which has improved my understanding of ACT questions even more. The ACT Science test focuses on four major science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics. While a student does not need to fully understand the various subjects they are asked to interpret data sets from each of these categories. I help students interpret graphs, find hypotheses, and give them valuable test taking strategies to help them along the way.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra I is one of my favorite subjects to tutor. Many students have difficulties making the transitions from basic math into algebra I. As a tutor I am patient and understand my students struggles. I can take all of the topics covered in Algebra and explain them in many different ways, adapting to my students needs, thus making what they are learning very doable.
Biology

Biology

My interest in Biology started in high school where I took the AP Biology Course (4 on AP Exam). While at UC Irvine, I was on track for a double major in Biology, but was offered a full time position in a Microbiology Lab so decided to lessen my work load and minored in Biology instead. I spent the next two years working in Environmental Microbiology before returning to school and completing my Master's in Biological Oceanography.
Calculus

Calculus

Calculus is one of my favorite Math classes to tutor. It can be a challenge for students to learn, but having a tutor who is very comfortable with the material can make even the toughest parts seem simple.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I have taken the following Chemistry Courses and passed all in the upper portion of my class: High School Chemistry College Chemistry Organic Chemistry Biogeochemistry (both in undergrad and graduate level) Chemical Oceanography
Genetics

Genetics

At UC Irvine I completed the genetics course with an A. The course was an introductory course on genetics and covered all the basics. In addition, I took a population genetics course while completing my Master's at USC. This course was much more in depth and dealt with the complicated calculations that are behind the scenes in any genetics study.
Geometry

Geometry

Geometry was always one of my favorite subjects! Many students struggle in this course, even after doing very well in Algebra, but don't despair!! You can learn Geometry with a little bit of help. Because I understand the subject matter so well, I can often explain the exercises in multiple ways that help a student to truly understand how to approach problems. Most of my students in Geometry jump at least two grade levels by the end of the semester.
Algebra 2
Ecology
Microbiology
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Physical Science
Physics
Prealgebra
Precalculus
Probability
SAT Math
Statistics
Trigonometry

Examples of Expertise

Melissa has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Melissa ’s answers ›
Melissa M.'s Photo

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Response time: 7 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (228 ratings)
5 star
(227)
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2 star
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Reviews

Excellent Tutor!

Melissa has been an excellent tutor for my son in AP Physics. She is preparing him for the AP exam as well as assisting him in challenging homework problems. She responds quickly and is flexible in scheduling. She always arrives on time and is well prepared for the lesson. Would highly recommend her as a tutor!

Michelle, 5 lessons with Melissa

Knowledgeable & helpful

My daughter is in 11th grade physics and Melissa was knowledgeable and able to explain physics concepts in an understandable way for an upcoming exam. She recognized the study material from my daughter’s teacher was vague and lacking information and was able to work with that material and still be helpful. She genuinely seemed to care that the material was understood and she was also responded timely to messaging in Wyzant app. My daughter said it was very helpful and felt more confident with the material she was struggling with prior to the tutoring session. Thank you so much

Eve, 1 lesson with Melissa

Great Experience!

Melissa showed up on time, was very encouraging and crisp in her explanations. She was patient as needed and was quick to Recognize areas needing reinforcement. Looking forward to having her back.

Vida, 14 lessons with Melissa

Great tutor. Fortunate to have found her!!!

My daughter needs to work on Algebra 1 to be ready for Geometry in the fall. She loved her school math teacher but thinks Melissa is even better! She is very knowledgeable and has a positive attitude.

Jeffrie, 6 lessons with Melissa

MELISSA IS THE BEST!

Melissa really knows her stuff and makes learning very easy to understand... My son loves working with her and has made "A" 's on all of his tests... Very accommodating with schedules too...

Byron, 4 lessons with Melissa

Excellent ACT Tutor

Melissa was excellent. She was patient and very knowledgeable. She helped my daughter prepare for the ACT. We are waiting to hear the results but I know that she felt very confident going in to the exam. Thank you Melissa.

Martha, 12 lessons with Melissa

Great Tutor

Melissa is a great tutor. She's on time, she understands what my weaknesses are, and she helps me learn how to overcome them. I felt much more confident going into the ACT test this time around. I'm very comfortable with her and she is easy to talk to.

Natalie, 4 lessons with Melissa

Excellent

Melissa is able to explain the concepts in ways that my daughter really enjoys and understands, is able to cover a lot of content each session, and is kind yet on task. Truly the best tutor we could have ever hoped for. I have seen more enjoyment by my daughter in both subjects and she looks forward to her tutor sessions.

Jeffrey, 35 lessons with Melissa

Awesome!!

Melissa is so great! My daughter always comes home so excited because she finally understands the subject matter! Having Melissa as a tutor has made all the difference, Kaitlin has gone from a C to an A since tutoring began. We love Melissa!

Kaitlin, 5 lessons with Melissa
Hourly Rate: $85
Response time: 7 minutes
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